Abstract

Leachate and groundwater samples were collected from Vendipalayam, Semur and Vairapalayam
landfill sites in Erode city, Tamil Nadu, India, to study the possible impact of leachate
percolation on groundwater quality. Concentrations of various physicochemical parameters
including heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Fe and Zn) were determined in leachate
samples and are reported. The concentrations of Cl-, NO3-, SO42-, NH4+ were found to be in considerable levels in the groundwater samples particularly near
to the landfill sites, likely indicating that groundwater quality is being significantly
affected by leachate percolation. Further they were proved to be the tracers for groundwater
contamination near Semur and Vendipalayam dumpyards. The presence of contaminants
in groundwater particularly near the landfill sites warns its quality and thus renders
the associated aquifer unreliable for domestic water supply and other uses. Although
some remedial measures are suggested to reduce further groundwater contamination via
leachate percolation, the present study demands for the proper management of waste
in Erode city.